Category: Inside Student Life

After attending Grove City College as a student, receiving his diploma, and then coming back a ‘second time’ around after completing graduate school, Dr. Michael Coulter now teaches political science and humanities for his alma mater. Although Dr. Coulter enjoys the Christian environment of the college, what he really cherishes is the ability he has to be active in the college life of his daughter, Caroline Coulter. Caroline, a sophomore majoring in marketing with a minor in theater, walks the same halls and eats the same food in Hicks as her father, because they share the privilege of teaching and studying at the same college.

Caroline is very active on campus with theater, where she is in the College’s spring play, as well as an active dance member in Orchesis and Spring Dance. Her free time outside of classes is filled with practices, homework, and Greek life, while Dr. Coulter is busy grading exams, preparing for lectures, and providing for a family of nine (7 KIDS & 2 PARENTS). It is quite clear that the Coulters stay busy both on and off campus. Father and daughter agree that they do not see each other on campus frequently unless they make an effort to get together. Caroline shares, “I see him in passing in the hallways, or I’ll see him in his office, but that’s about it!”

Even though the Coulters may not see one another regularly, both agree that when they do see each other, it is a pleasant surprise. Both concur that attending the same college has allowed their relationship to grow and deepen through the bonding and connections they experience on campus. It is easy for them to understand what the other is talking about and the traditions that are rooted in Grove City College.

As most would guess, there are also challenges that come with having a family member on campus, and some are more difficult than others. Dr. Coulter shares that he is constantly double checking his pockets for his car keys because of sharing the family van with Caroline and the sometimes “foggy” lines of communication that result in a misunderstanding from time to time Moreover, Caroline shares that being a professor’s daughter brings with it a higher expectation and standards. Some professors know Caroline on a deeper and personal level, which makes her an easy target to call on in class, perhaps more than they would other students. “Sometimes I feel as though I have standards to live up to as a professor’s daughter,” Caroline shares.

Despite the challenges, both Coulters agree that they would not change their decision to choose Grove City College, and thoroughly enjoy the growth in their relationship. The unique opportunity is not taken for granted in their eyes and they hope that Caroline’s younger siblings will seize the same opportunity and consider GCC to further their education. As the second oldest of seven children, Caroline is pretty confident that another Coulter or two will probably follow in her footsteps.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at one o’clock, Stephanie Schaefer walks into a classroom with her classmates and waits patiently for their professor to begin class. Stephanie has the privilege to learn under the teaching of none other than her own father, Dr. Paul Schaefer. The father/daughter – student/professor relationship is a rare occurrence for Grove City College, and Stephanie does not take it for granted one bit. She is halfway through her sophomore year and this is the second time she is taking a class with her dad. If she has her way, it is not going to be the last. Following in her father’s footsteps, Stephanie studies Biblical and Religious Studies with a minor in Business. Since she has chosen the same major that her dad chairs, she will have a class with him almost every semester. To some that may be too much quality family time, but for Stephanie it’s not weird. She views her dad just like she does any other professor, and does not face any unique challenges or pressures while sitting under his academic authority.

The Schaefer family came to Grove City in 1997 from Iowa, so Stephanie has been establishing her roots here at the school for two decades. She recalls coming to campus prior to being a GCC student to visit her dad and walk around the campus. Now, she is able to hang out in the Religious Studies suite with her dad, Dr. Bibza, and Dr. Byun. Stephanie says that having her dad on campus is “a good way to stay connected inside the school,” and allows her to see things from a different perspective than most students do at Grove City College.

Rather than following the steps of her brother, who attends the Art Institute in Pittsburgh, she decided to follow her dad to Grove City College and has not regretted her decision. She has been able to connect with both students and professors which allows her to have a better appreciation for the community on campus. Not only is she enriched by the GCC community, but because she attends the same school as her dad, she has a first hand appreciation for the hard work and knowledge to which her dad dedicates his time.

The Schaefer family resemblance usually does not go unnoticed by Stephanie’s friends and classmates, and it is not uncommon for her to be questioned if they are related in some way. Stephanie states, “Sometimes people realize it and call me out on it before I even officially meet them, but sometimes people have no idea. I think most of the time people realize it though.”

Having your dad as a professor has many positive aspects, but Stephanie has had her share of challenges when students realize that her dad is their professor for their Biblical Revelation or Western Civilization class. She has been asked by some students to do favors for them. For example, she has had classmates deliberately ask her to try to get her dad to move a quiz or test to a different date, or even ask her to get answers for them. She says some students assume that since she is Dr. Schaefer’s daughter, she has access to the answer keys. Despite the irritations and occasional awkward request, Stephanie wouldn’t change her decision to attend the same school as her dad. Attending Grove City College has not only allowed her to become more connected to the campus, but more importantly, in her relationship with him.